Adam "Swamp Donkey" Richards Reveals The Trauma and Mental Health Battles Behind His Boxing Success

What inspired you to finally tell your story?

I have finally had some downtime and was able to reflect on my childhood and my life. I have wanted to write a book since my retirement, but life keeps happening and that made it challenging for me. I want this book to bring awareness to parents of child athletes. Since my retirement and raising my son, I have stepped back and observed parent-athlete relationships.

Seeing how they act on the field with their children, you can only imagine what their life is like at home. Most of these parents look at their children as a resemblance to something they could never fully accomplish and want their child to do it for them. Or they are looking at them like a future paycheck. Any verbal or physical abuse is traumatic and lasts a lifetime if not addressed, and this book shines a light of hope on that.

Do you think your tough upbringing played a factor in your success as a boxer?

Yes, I believe the way I was brought up got me to a world championship. My dad only had one gear, and back in the day, that was accepted. He embedded the mentality in my head that second place is just the first loser.

I’d rather sacrifice myself than take a loss. Losing was not an option. This pushed me to never settle and to be the best, but his tactics of getting this message across scarred me mentally and physically. So, when you hear “It’s a lifestyle,” they are correct. It’s the only thing that matters.

How was your mental health at the height of your career?

When I fought for the WBO World Championship in Berlin, Germany, it was like a yo-yo. There was never any consistency with my father or my manager, which then seeped into my camp and my head. Any distractions will take a toll mentally and physically on an athlete. Even on the day of my championship fight, my father's actions left me completely unfocused. He was a no-show for my fight.

What advice would you give to someone who is at their lowest mentally?

You are not alone. We all have demons that we fight within our own heads. My best advice to deal with them is to TALK ABOUT IT! Keeping your problems concealed will only allow them to fester, frustrate, and irritate. Call a close friend or family member; they will listen, and they will not judge. Giving up is not an option.

What would you have done differently about your boxing career?

I would have kept family out of the management of my career. Being a child in sports, I had no choice. But when I grew up and was successful, the feeling of obligation was unescapable. I never felt like I was fighting for myself. I was fighting for someone else. I was being told what to do with my own life. I felt like a puppet.

What do you want readers' biggest takeaways to be from your book?

I want parents of athletes to be aware of what they are doing to their children. Their words and physical actions can be detrimental and can scar their children for life. My takeaway for the athletes is that they can make it better. Speak up and talk about it with your parents or coach. It’s not just one-sided; you have a voice.

What can your readers expect next from you?

My life goes on, and I face many crossroads. Another book is in the works to share with the world how I have survived an accident and more mental challenges. I am also starting a podcast and a movement #thatsforyoumom.

Link to pre-order Adam's book: Swamp Donkey: Bred to fight

Follow author & retired boxer @adamrichards1 & book publishing company @wcwriting1 on Instagram